Despite their reputation for aloofness, cats actually have delicate feelings. This is often overlooked because cats lack the eagerness to please and openness that dogs exhibit. In this video, we will discuss 16 ways that you may be unintentionally hurting your cat's feelings.
Number 16: Calling them for something they don't like. Cats get excited when they are called because they expect treats or rewards. However, if you call them for something unpleasant, like being forced into a carrier to go to the vet, it can hurt their feelings. Make sure not to use your cat's name or commands to punish them.
Number 15: Teasing or agitating them. Pulling on your cat's tail, blowing in their face, scaring them while they are asleep, cornering them, and picking them up against their will can all confuse and agitate your cat. Remember that what may be amusing to you is not always fun for your cat. Scaring your kitty with cucumbers or other objects for entertainment value is not appropriate. Cats have a basic need to feel safe and secure in their home, so it is important to find other ways to have fun with your pet.
Number 14: Pushing them away. Cats are curious and nosy about their environment and they always want to know what you are doing. They love being involved, so your cat may persistently get in the way of something. Before pushing your cat away, consider if you would like it if someone pushed you away for just wanting to be a part of something that interested you. Instead of pushing your cat away, try gently redirecting them somewhere else. Remember, cats want to be close to their humans and they also want to be the focus of your attention. If you constantly reject your pet's attempts to be around you, your cat may become depressed.
Number 13: Punishing them. Tossing your cat off the counter, throwing things, swatting or scolding them may inform your pet that you are angry, but they will have no idea why. Grabbing them and shoving their face in a mess will only leave them terrified. Fear often makes a cat's behavior worse, rather than better. Anger does not teach your cat to behave; it simply teaches them to be afraid of you. A cat who does not feel safe at home is more likely to run away at the first opportunity to find a new home.
Number 12: Leaving old food out. Food that has gone bad is not good for your cat, just like it is not good for you. It can result in illnesses like food poisoning and problems with the pancreas. In addition, cats appreciate being served fresh food. They do not like it when the food in their bowl sits out for too long. This could be part of their finicky personalities or it could be due to an ancient instinct that protected their ancestors from eating rancid meat. Either way, cats feel appreciated and understood when their families respect their desire for fresh food.
Number 11: Neglecting them. Offering your cat no attention, no affection, no interaction, no conversation, and no playtime can leave your pet depressed. Many people assume that cats are not social animals, but this is not true. Cats benefit from interaction and affection from their humans. Some cats are naturally affectionate while others are more skittish about being held and petted. If you have a skittish cat, leave yourself open to receiving affection from them and return it in kind.
Number 10: Skipping the small stuff. Neglecting to groom your cat, ignoring frequent hairballs (which can indicate a digestive issue), allowing their nails to grow too long and become snagged around the house, and not checking their ears